Secondary Nav

Tofino Artists Team Up For “Uniquely West Coast” Showing at the Wickaninnish Inn

Tofino, British Columbia, December 28, 2012 – Acclaimed Tofino photographer Todd Byrnes and celebrated “flotsam sculptor” Pete Clarkson today announced a joint showing of their work at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, British Columbia.

In an intimate setting adjacent to the Wickaninnish Inn’s oceanfront Driftwood Café (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner), Byrnes and Clarkson have selected pieces that exemplify their West Coast-themed work. Tofino visitors and locals are invited to view the combination of photographs and sculptures until Wednesday January 2, then again on Wednesday January 23 until the end of February.

“Todd and Pete are both very passionate about capturing the flavour and feel of the West Coast in their work,’ said Charles McDiarmid, Managing Director of the Wickaninnish Inn. “We are very excited that these two talented artists are teaming up in a unique show at the Wickaninnish Inn.”

About Todd ByrnesA career photographer for more than 33 years, Todd Byrnes has been living and capturing images in Tofino for almost a decade. His interest in photography began at age eight after finding an old twin-reflex film camera in his Dad’s workshop. Byrnes launched his photography at age thirteen with his first aerial assignment of a large real estate development. He has since traveled the world with a camera in hand — always looking for the perfect image. His client list includes CP Air, Air Canada, Hilton and Hyatt Regency hotels, Coors Beer, Ford Automotive Company, former U.S. vice president Al Gore, boxer George Foreman, activist and Paralympian Rick Hansen, football legend Jerry Rice and others.

Since living on Chesterman Beach, Byrnes’ photographic mission has been to find subjects in “prime light” which can create and almost 3D effect in much of his work. He spends many hours in a small inflatable boat on Clayoquot Sound searching for and photographing wildlife. Art buyers in Australia, Europe and throughout North America collect his images that can be seen and purchased at his studio at Chesterman Beach Bed & Breakfast and at stores and galleries in Tofino.

About Pete ClarksonSelf-taught and inspired by folk art, traditional and contemporary First Nations art, sculpture, outsider art and word art, Pete Clarkson began using marine debris in his work shortly after he moved to Tofino to work as a park ranger at Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park. His work combines locally beach-combed objects to create layered wall hangings, sculpture and outdoor installations. Clarkson’s found-object sculpture (also called environmental art, beach art, and recycled art) incorporates weathered rope, painted wood, fishing floats, plastic and other flotsam.

Clarkson enjoys beachcombing for the thrill of discovery and the mysteries that arrive with the tide. As he combs the shore, he often overwhelmed by the volume and variety of marine debris on the beach that carry the message of global economic and environmental connectivity.

About the Wickaninnish InnThe award-winning Wickaninnish Inn, perched on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island near Tofino, is a year-round destination exemplifying "rustic elegance on nature's edge". A Relais & Châteaux member property since 1997, the Inn is owned and managed by the McDiarmid family of Tofino, and is exclusively located on beautiful Chesterman Beach. Each of the 75 oceanfront guest rooms and suites is designed to AAA/CAA Five Diamond standards, welcoming guests with a gas fireplace, soaker tub, local art, an individual balcony and a beach or ocean viewscape. The Wickaninnish Inn is home to The Pointe Restaurant, boasting 240º Pacific Ocean views and an innovative culinary program, as well as the award-winning Ancient Cedars Spa. The Inn’s on-property reservations team is available 24 hours a day by calling toll-free 1.800.333.4604
or visiting www.wickinn.com.